Hadith #7992

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَوْتٌ وَحِيٌّ خَيْرٌ مِنْ عَيْش شَقِّي۔

This translates to

Early death is better than a wretched life.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (mawtun) "مَوْتٌ" refers to death, the cessation of life in this world. It is a transition from the temporary abode of this worldly life to the eternal abode of the hereafter. The word (wahiyyun) "وَحِيٌّ" means revelation or inspiration. It signifies the divine guidance and knowledge bestowed upon individuals by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). And the phrase (aysh shaqqi) "عَيْش شَقِّي" refers to a wretched or miserable life, characterized by hardship, suffering, and spiritual deprivation.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to desire things that are ultimately harmful for our spiritual growth and well-being. Sometimes, what appears to be a blessing may actually be a trial in disguise, while what seems to be a hardship may be a means of purification and elevation.

In Surah Al-Imran, verse 185, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly life and emphasizes the ultimate reward and recompense that awaits us in the hereafter. It reminds us that the true success lies in attaining salvation and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), even if it means departing from this world at an earlier stage.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, expresses in this Hadith that an early death, which leads to the realm of divine revelation and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), is preferable to a wretched life. A wretched life refers to a state of spiritual deprivation, where one is distant from the divine guidance and immersed in worldly hardships and sufferings. It is a life devoid of true purpose and fulfillment.

By highlighting the superiority of an early death over a wretched life, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the true essence of life lies in seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for spiritual growth and righteousness. It encourages us to prioritize the eternal realm over the transient world, recognizing that the pleasures and trials of this life are temporary and fleeting.

This Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the purpose of their existence and the choices they make. It urges us to seek knowledge, guidance, and inspiration from the divine sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It motivates us to prioritize the pursuit of a righteous and meaningful life, even if it means facing challenges and hardships along the way.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of seeking divine guidance and righteousness in this transient world. It reminds us that an early death, which leads to the realm of divine revelation and proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), is preferable to a wretched life characterized by spiritual deprivation and worldly hardships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to prioritize the eternal realm and strive for a meaningful and righteous life.